Carlow community donates toys to Tallaght families in need

For a quarter of a century, the community in Hackestown, Carlow has donated hundreds of children’s toys to Tallaght families who are struggling during the festive season – and this year is no different.

Gardai from Tallaght were on hand to collect the toys from Carlow last week, continuing a tradition began by former Killinarden priest Jim McCormack 25 years ago.

It all started when McCormack became the parish priest in Hacketstown, and appealed to his new parishioners to make a donation to the disadvantaged families in Tallaght.

Every year since Hacketstown’s residents has continued to donate toys at Christmas and chocolate eggs at Easter.

The community Gardai who collected the toys are delivering them to families who they have come into contact with during the year while liaising with schools, charities and St Vincent de Paul.

Father McCormack retired from his post last year while current parish priest Terence McGovern has upheld the tradition and helped organise this year’s toy drive.